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nydus/History of Mexico, Volume 1, 1516-1521Public
Page 721 of 1600
Table of Contents

CHAPTER XXI. THE COUP DE MAÎTRE OF CORTÉS. May , 1520.

The last to hold out was Diego Velazquez, a brave fellow, well liked by his followers; but after a few more parleys, and the loss of three men from well directed shots, his party was also prevailed on to descend and deliver up their arms,56 the leaders being secured and removed in irons to the chapel, the wounded receiving there the attentions of a surgeon. Cortés looked in to examine their condition, and as the whisper reached Narvaez that the hero of the day was present, he turned and said: “Señor Cortés, you may hold high the good fortune you have had, and the great achievement of securing my person.”

With a twinkle of malicious merriment Cortés regarded for a moment his fallen foe, whose insufferable conceit did not desert him even here, and said: “Señor Narvaez, many deeds have I performed since coming to Mexico, but the least of them all has been to capture you.”57

Map showing central Mexico with labeled cities, rivers, and volcanic peaks, including Tlaxcala, Mexico, and Cempoala.

FOOTNOTES

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